69
CALEB
Six weeks later, Evan is finally being discharged from the treatment centre. The weeks have been long, but he’s coming home today.
Home.
Ava planned a little surprise at their house with his favourite food and decorations. Nothing too over-the-top, because we don’t want to overwhelm him.
Jaxon agreed to pick him up while I finished some things with my pack as they discharged him earlier than expected, but as soon as I knew he was on the way home, I headed over to their house with Zara and Felix. Words can’t describe how badly my stomach twists in knots.
Ava organised everyone to be waiting by the stairs for him before taking him into the kitchen. I hear Avashheveryone in the hall as a car pulls up outside.
My back leans against the wall as the handle turns, and the moment Evan steps through the door, everyone welcomes him home followed by cheers and claps.
His fresh cotton and sweet cherries scent hits me within seconds as his blue eyes drag over us with surprise. I want to melt into the floor at the sight of his beautiful face.
Blond curls as natural as ever, falling over his forehead. His shoulders look broader, and he looks bigger. His complexion is fresh with healthy rosy cheeks, and his bright blue eyes are full of life. His skin is no longer sickly pale, but vibrant and glowing.
I forget to take a breath as I drink in his appearance. Never did I think I could find him any more attractive than I already do, but this moment proves me completely wrong. He looks healthy and so fucking alive it makes my heart soar.
“Oh, Goddess,” he says, pressing a hand to his chest. “You scared me.”
“Welcome home.” Ava steps forward to wrap her arms around him.
“Thank you.”
The second he pulls away from her and his eyes lock on mine, he blinks.
“Hey, handsome.” The words slip off my lips with ease.
Evan’s mouth stretches into the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. It takes over his entire face, vibrancy shining through. My heart clenches, blood pumping around my body like I’m about to explode.
“Caleb,” he breathes out.
Everyone else leaves us for a moment alone as they head into the kitchen. I push off the wall and walk towards him. Evan meets me in the middle. When my arms wrap around his body, my skin tingles, and everything heats up. He releases a sigh into my chest and fully relaxes into me.
I pull back to hold his gorgeous face in my hands as he beams. “You have no idea how glad I am to have you home,” I whisper.
“I’m really glad to be home,” he says delicately.
I grin at him. “How are you? You look well—you look so fucking gorgeous.”
A small laugh ripples through his chest before he closes his eyes and allows my words to sink in. “Thank you. I’m good. I’m feeling better, but I’ve got to keep up with my recovery to make sure it was all worthwhile.”
“Of course.” I nod. “All I want is to see you happy.”
“Well, now we can focus on us.” He grips my arms.
“I can’t wait,” I say as I pull his face closer and leave a lingering kiss on his perfect lips.
Evan leans in, kissing me harder than expected. It leaves goosebumps all over my body, and despite there not being a matebond, there’s so much longing between us.
“Come on,” I whisper against his mouth. “You’ve got a party waiting for you.”
We head into the kitchen, where Evan’s face lights up even more when he sees the food and decorations.
“Guys, I didn’t expect this.” He laughs hesitantly.
